After an extended hiatus, the Celtics are giving Darius Miles a second chance. Problem is, his career was supposed to be over. At least that was what Portland thought when they waived the rest of his contract after it was revealed that he required microfracture surgery.

Now that the Celtics have brought him back, all he has to do is to appear in 10 games this next season for his salary to come back on Portland's books. At $18 million over the next two years, this would be a significant blow to Portland. Previously they had positioned themselves to potentially have upwards of $40 million in cap space going into next summer.

A surprising team last year, Portland had many competitors concerned that they would become a consistent force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. In addition to the cap space they had set aside to go after any of the marquee free agents next summer, they also are welcoming Greg Oden to their roster.

A highly touted prospect, Oden was the first pick in the 2007 draft and this upcoming season will be his rookie year, after he underwent micro-fracture surgery this past season.

The Celtics are taking a minimal risk with Miles, most likely signing him to a non- guaranteed contract. If he were to return to form, the Celtics could look to see 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.15 blocks per game coming off of their bench as a reserve.

Darius Miles also will be serving a ten-game suspension this season for testing positive for a banned diet pill.